Minehead RNLI have busy Bank Holiday Monday

At 2pm, just six minutes after the initial tasking from Coastguard, Minehead's Atlantic-class lifeboat launched to assist the crew of a 16ft Orkney fishing vessel, in trouble close to Hurlstone Point.

The well-equipped crew had radioed HM Coastguard for assistance after their propeller became entangled with their anchor line, whilst fishing off the coastline. The vessel was starting to take on water.

Upon arrival the lifeboat crew quickly got to work, first evacuating the crew and then cutting the vessel's anchor line, allowing it to be towed by the lifeboat. The reason for their concern was clear - at this stage of tide and in this location, a tidal stream of approximately five knots threatened to inundate their trapped vessel.

The lifeboat towed the vessel towards Minehead, where calmer waters allowed the entangled propeller to be fixed, and the crew to resume their return journey to Porlock Weir. Throughout the rescue, local fishing vessel Teddie Boy, stood by ready to assist if required, having rushed from Blue Anchor upon hearing the vessel's distress call.

No sooner than the crews had returned to their families, a further call to the Coastguard was made, and at 5pm both the Atlantic and D class lifeboats launched towards Kilve in order to assist Burnham-on-Sea RNLI's Atlantic-Class lifeboat, and HM Coastguard land units, in the rescue of a person and two dogs, cut off by the tide.

All were safely returned to Watchet harbour, and the crews returned to their stations for a well-earned Bank Holiday rest.

Helm Phil Sanderson commented: Today's rescues really highlight how versatile and skilled our crews are, and some great teamwork between us, Coastguard and Teddie Boy. The tidal range in this area can pose a real risk to safety both on and off the water, and it's important to be aware of.'

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 142,700 lives.

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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

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